Lebanon Issues Arrest Warrants for Two Hezbollah Members in Explosives Truck Case

Lebanese judicial authorities issued two arrest warrants on Thursday for two detained Hezbollah members, Ali Al-Kordi and Haitham Amhaz, as part of the investigation into a truckload of explosives discovered in the Dahr al-Baidar area. Military Investigative Judge Ghada Aoun issued the warrants after questioning the detainees in the presence of their lawyer, Maen Al-Assad. These warrants move the detainees from temporary reserve custody to official detention.

Judge Aoun began her investigation into the case and issued the warrants at the end of the interrogation session. The lawyer for six other defendants not in custody submitted a motion challenging the proceedings, leading to the postponement of their interrogations. The judge rescheduled the next session for November 17 to allow the military prosecution to review the motion and provide its opinion.

On October 30, 13 individuals affiliated with Hezbollah were charged in connection with the explosives truck. Internal Security Forces seized the truck, carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives including TNT and C4, along with metal balls and nails, on October 5 as it traveled from the Beqaa Valley towards Beirut. Two individuals on board were arrested and handed over to judicial authorities.

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged on November 1 that the truck and explosives belonged to the party, stating the materials were intended for confronting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and demanding the return of the seized items and release of the detainees. Another Hezbollah MP, Ibrahim Al-Mousawi, denied media reports on November 1 that the shipment was intended for assassination operations within Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the need to identify those involved and their backers, expose their plans, and bring them to justice. The case gained international attention in mid-October when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, urging Lebanon to expand the investigation and hold accountable those who ordered and funded the operation. President Aoun stressed the state's resolve to enforce laws, prevent armed displays, and combat smuggling without yielding to pressure.

The Lebanese government is implementing a program to consolidate arms in the hands of the state, which includes Hezbollah's weaponry, a stance the party opposes. Since March 2, Israel has been conducting military operations against Lebanon, resulting in over 4,300 deaths, 12,400 injuries, and over a million displaced individuals, according to Lebanese authorities.